The best of our books published in 2021, chosen by book influencers

Chosen by @whatsallyreadnext a.k.a. Sally

"A beautifully written novel featuring powerful female characters, The Four Winds is a must-read for both existing Kristin Hannah fans and those new to her work. I loved reading about the main character Elsa, the struggles she faces raising her family alone and the woman she becomes, while she navigates through life during the Great Depression in the mid-1930s as the Dust Bowl era arrives. 

The strong development of relationships between women (and in this case, between Elsa and her daughter) is the recurring theme of Kristin Hannah's books and that's what I love about them."

Chosen by @excusemyreading a.k.a. Ova 

"If you told me last year that I would be amazed by a book that seemed purely about chickens, I would have laughed. Well, that was before I read Brood.

Brood is honest, funny and sad at the same time. The narrator doesn’t have any concerns to allure us, the readers, she’s just telling her story. I will never forget her, and how she reflected her feelings through chickens.

And I wish I was friends with Jackie Polzin, that's how much I loved her style and writing. Read Brood. Gift it to your good friends. Keep it in your library. It’s a treasure."

Chosen by @irishreader_, a.k.a. Kevin

"Tokyo Ever After is such a wholesome and heartwarming read, reminiscent of The Princess Diaries. This book follows our main character, Izumi, who discovers her father is the prince of Japan. Izumi then sets out to Japan to meet her father for the first time and enter her new royal lifestyle. The reason I’ve chosen this book is because I enjoyed reading about Izumi’s struggle with being Japanese-American and not feeling like she belongs in any one place. The development of Izumi and her father’s relationship is also beautiful to read, as we see them begin to establish their long-lost father and daughter connection."

Chosen by @fictionalfates a.k.a. Joel

"Whilst reading She Who Became The Sun, I was stunned by the gorgeous atmosphere and the explorations of gender, both through the identity and roles within society. I, for one, am a massive fan of when authors don't shy away from hurting their characters, and Parker-Chan fulfills those desires and so much more! I had such a great time reading this book, and I'm so excited to see what the sequel has to offer! She Who Became The Sun was one of my most anticipated reads for 2021, and now it is one of my favourites."